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Fly Fishing
Upper Animas River
in Silverton, Colorado

Fly angler casting on the Upper Animas River near Silverton, Colorado, surrounded by alpine peaks and in search of brookies

The Upper Animas River, just outside of Silverton, Colorado, is a high-elevation, alpine freestone stream that winds through a dramatic glacial valley rich in history, views, and rugged wild trout. From Eureka down through Arrastra Gulch and into the outskirts of Silverton, anglers will find cold, clear water, pocket runs, and opportunistic trout eager to rise to a well-placed dry. This stretch offers roadside access, alpine solitude, and surprisingly good fishing when runoff subsides — making it a must-fish in the heart of summer.

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Upper Animas - Overview & Access

The Upper Animas flows north of Silverton along County Road 2, with numerous pull-offs and access points as you head toward Animas Forks. Anglers should be aware that some parcels are private, especially closer to Silverton and along small mining claims. It’s always a good idea to use OnX, CPW maps, or stop into the Silverton Visitor Center to confirm current access.

 

The best fishing typically starts above Silverton and continues upstream to around the Eureka Campground. Above Eureka, the river becomes heavily influenced by historical mining, and trout populations thin out considerably. The stretch between Erastra Gulch and Eureka tends to be the most consistent for eager wild rainbows, brookies, and the occasional cutthroat.

Upper Animas Fishing Tips

  • Ideal Season: Early July through September (after runoff)

  • Rod & Rig: 3–5 weight rod, floating line, 4X–5X tippet

  • Fish Species: Wild rainbow trout, brook trout, occasional cutthroat

  • Best Time of Day: Mid-morning to late afternoon

  • Water Type: High-elevation freestone, mostly pocket water and runs

  • Approach: Cover water efficiently — fish are opportunistic and not picky, but stealth still matters

Conservation Note

This river corridor has a complex mining history, and while some restoration work has been done, the stretch above Eureka Gulch has been heavily impacted by runoff and waste from historic mines. We recommend anglers focus efforts on the more productive, fish-friendly waters below Eureka and practice low-impact ethics to minimize trail and streambed damage. Sticking to established access paths and packing out all trash helps preserve this watershed for future generations.

Small wild rainbow trout lying beside a fly rod and reel on the grassy bank of the Upper Animas River in the San Juans

Animas River Fly Selection

& Hatches

This upper stretch of the Animas sees a short but productive summer window when hatches peak and trout are aggressively feeding. You'll encounter:

  • Yellow Sallies

  • Caddisflies

  • PMDs

  • Small mayflies

  • Hoppers and beetles in mid to late summer (you’ll hear them clicking in the grass)

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Effective flies include:

  • Parachute Adams, X-Caddis, Stimulators

  • Chubby Chernobyls (especially near grassy banks)

  • Droppers: Pheasant Tails, Frenchies, WD-40s, and Zebra Midges

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This is classic dry-dropper water, with a few deeper pockets where adding a second beadhead below the surface can pay off.

Fishing Regulations for
The Upper Animas River

The Upper Animas follows Colorado Parks & Wildlife general stream regulations. While harvest may be allowed in certain areas, this fragile alpine fishery benefits most from catch and release practices. We strongly recommend using barbless hooks and handling fish minimally to protect these coldwater species.

Fishing Access: Exploring the Upper Animas

​1. Erastra Gulch to Eureka

  • This is the most consistent fishing stretch, with public access and cold, healthy water.

  • Several deep runs and braided sections provide great dry-dropper structure.

  • Easily accessed by County Road 2 — just pull off and fish.

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2. County Road 2 Pull-offs Above Howardsville

  • Scattered parking spots with direct river access.

  • Respect private property signs — not all visible shoreline is public.

  • Great for quick stops and short walk-ins.

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3. Animas Forks Road (CR 2) – Above Eureka

  • Scenery is stunning, but fishing thins out significantly.

  • Heavy historic mining presence; use caution if exploring above Eureka.

Scenic view from Molas Pass in the San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado, with alpine peaks, clouds, and wilderness

The Upper Animas near Silverton offers quick roadside access, alpine scenery, and an abundance of eager trout when conditions are right. While runoff and mine influence shape this fishery’s window, it’s absolutely worth exploring from July through early fall. Just be sure to double-check land ownership, watch for summer storms, and bring your dry flies — these fish are always looking up.

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